An earthquake shook an island in Papua New Guinea located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. According to a report by the US Geological Survey, the magnitude of the tremor was 6.9 on the Richter scale. Within a few minutes, a strong ‘aftershock’ (shock after the earthquake), which measured 5.3, occurred. A tsunami warning has been issued in the area as a result of the twin tremors. ABC News reports.
According to local time, the first tremor struck Papua New Guinea’s New Britain Island at 6:04 am on Saturday. The earthquake’s source was at least 10 kilometers deep off the coast of the island. As a result, the height of the waves in the sea increased much more than usual.
The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said that the height of the waves on New Britain Island could be three to nine feet. In addition, high wave warnings have been issued due to the tsunami on several islands in Papua New Guinea. The neighboring Solomon Islands may also be affected.
The United States Geological Survey said that two tremors were felt in Papua New Guinea early Saturday morning, just 30 minutes apart.
Papua New Guinea is an independent island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Most of the islands in this part are earthquake-prone. Because it is part of the Southeast Asian earthquake belt. The islands, which are sparsely populated, do not suffer much damage from earthquakes. However, the tremors can cause landslides.